Injury Ends Daly's Junior World Championship

Ireland Under-20 centre Tom Daly has been ruled out of the remainder of the IRB Junior World Championship with a hand injury.

Tom Daly picked up an injury to his left hand during the Ireland Under-20s' 46-3 bonus point win over Fiji in Vannes on Sunday. The team's main place-kicker and top scorer (25 points) will be unable to continue in the tournament.

Ireland U-20 head coach Mike Ruddock said: "Unfortunately Tom broke his hand during the game against Fiji and will have to leave the tournament.

"Tom has been a major player all season and we are all very disappointed to see him leave like this. I would like to thank Tom for all he has given over the season and commend him on his achievements so far.

"This squad has shown remarkable resolve throughout the season. We have lost a number of prolific players, including Robbie Henshaw and Stuart Olding who were called up to the senior squad, but they have adapted and I am confident that they will adjust and are focused on the game against New Zealand."

Ruddock's charges are preparing to face the Baby Blacks in their final Pool B fixture at the Stade de la Rabine on Thursday (kick-off 6.45pm local time/5.45pm Irish time).

Carlow man Daly will be replaced in the Irish squad by Northampton Saints and Exile player Alex Wootton.